Show-o-Matic

Breaking down each episode of our favorite formulaic shows by how closely it hews to said formula.

The Biggest Loser

Four On The Floor

Show-o-MaticThe contestants aim for the finals in their last week on the ranch. 2015.01.23S16.E17

The Vampire Diaries

Liv Is Useless, Jeremy Is Useful, And Kai Chews The Scenery Like Always

Show-o-MaticAnd Caroline is pretty sure Damon and Stefan don't know anything about this vampire blood thing, because she's painfully Caroline. 2015.01.23S06.E11

Arrow

Replacement Olivers

Show-o-MaticWith Oliver dead, everybody in town has to take up the slack. Some people put on familiar wigs, some people construct high-tech armor, and SOME people forget about putting on any sort of mask at all. Come on, Diggle. Get it together. 2015.01.22S03.E10

Law & Order: SVU

The Glare Of The Son

Show-o-MaticAmaro Sr. shows up, ruins everything some more on SVU. 2015.01.21S16.E12

Supernatural

Someone Get That Mark Of Cain Off Dean Before He Gets A Blowtorch

Show-o-MaticThe only thing worse than a Dean Winchester with the Mark of Cain is a Dean Winchester feeling guilty about it. 2015.01.21S10.E10

Switched At Birth

There Will Be Mud

Show-o-MaticDaphne rises to the challenge on Switched At Birth. 2015.01.21

Girls

Will Hannah Fly In Flyoverland?

Show-o-MaticHannah's ongoing fish-out-of-water tale finds another kind of non-water to drop her into. 2015.01.18S04.E02

The Biggest Loser

Not Great, Rob

Show-o-MaticThe Comeback Canyon winner is revealed, and a certain rugby player has a meltdown. Sp...oiler? 2015.01.16S16.E16

Elementary

High Crimes

Show-o-MaticIf this episode had a smell, it would be, not orchids, but coffee and fish. 2015.01.16S03.E10

Law & Order: SVU

'I Believe You've Met...Big G?'

Show-o-MaticA girl in a suitcase + a hilarious undercover gig for Fin = a decent SVU episode. 2015.01.15S16.E11

Switched At Birth

You've Got A Friend

Show-o-MaticWho needs some cheering up? The ladyfolk of Switched At Birth. 2015.01.14S04.E02

Girls

The Long Goodbye

Show-o-MaticAs Hannah prepares to leave for Iowa, we get glimpses of how much better this show might be without her. 2015.01.11S04.E01

The Biggest Loser

Shave And A Haircut, Six Hours

Show-o-MaticThat's how long The Biggest Loser's makeover episode felt. And don't get Sarah started on the cliffhanger. 2015.01.09S16.E15

Elementary

Out Of Time

Show-o-MaticSome old guy wants extra time to feel old. 2015.01.09S03.E09

Law & Order: SVU

Just Peachy

Show-o-MaticThe squad tries to nail creepy Harry Hamlin and his execrable Suhthuhn accent for rape. 2015.01.08S16.E10

Switched At Birth

Bay Is The New Orange Is The New Black

Show-o-MaticTimes are hard as Switched At Birth goes to college. 2015.01.07S04.E01

The Missing

'I Want To Be Reminded'

Show-o-MaticThe Missing moves to 2009, but loses momentum. 2015.01.03S01.E07

The Biggest Loser

In The Days Of Auld Red Lyne

Show-o-MaticThe first Biggest Loser of the new year sees one contestant dropping the ball. 2015.01.02S16.E14

The Missing

Hardened Criminals

Show-o-MaticLong-buried evidence is dug up, then buried again as Sieg and Ziane's revelations only cause more confusion. 2014.12.20S01.E06

Elementary

Cop Land

Show-o-MaticThe force is out in force as Holmes and Watson track down a cop-killer. 2014.12.19S03.E08